Why Do the Portuguese Eat Cod on Christmas Eve?
(And Other Surprising Christmas Traditions in Portugal)
If you’re learning European Portuguese, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that Portugal is full of rich culture and strong traditions. But at Christmas, things get even more interesting.
From boiled codfish dinners to masked figures running through villages, Portugal celebrates the holidays in its own unique way. In this article, we explore some of the most curious Portuguese Christmas traditions — and what they can teach you as a language learner.
What Is “A Consoada”?
The Portuguese Christmas Eve Dinner You Didn’t Expect
In most English-speaking countries, the big meal happens on December 25th. But in Portugal, the main Christmas meal is on the night of the 24th and it’s called a consoada.
And what do Portuguese families eat?
Boiled codfish — yes, really!
🐟 O bacalhau da consoada = Christmas Eve codfish
🥔 Batatas e couve cozidas = boiled potatoes and cabbage
🥚 Ovos cozidos = boiled eggs
🫒 Azeite = olive oil
It’s a simple, humble meal — but deeply traditional. This goes back to Catholic customs where eating meat was forbidden on religious days, so cod became the go-to choice. Even today, many families keep this tradition alive, often followed by dozens of different desserts.
Useful expression:
O bacalhau é o rei da mesa.
Cod is the star of the table.
The Burning Log Tradition: “A Queima do Madeiro”
In several regions in the interior of Portugal, especially in the north and centre, you’ll find a spectacular tradition called a queima do madeiro — the burning of the Christmas log.
On the night of December 24th, huge bonfires are lit in the middle of the village square. People gather around, sing, drink, chat, and keep warm. It’s not just about fire — it’s about community.
🔥 A fogueira de Natal = Christmas bonfire
🪵 O madeiro = the big log
👨👩👧 Reunir-se à volta da fogueira = to gather around the fire
This tradition brings a beautiful sense of togetherness — and it’s an amazing example of how culture and language connect.
Who Are the Caretos?
The Wildest Characters of the Portuguese Christmas
While much of Portugal celebrates Christmas with quiet family gatherings, some northern villages go wild — literally.
Enter: Os Caretos de Varge. These are masked figures dressed in bright costumes, full of bells, who run through the streets during the Christmas season playing tricks on people.
This mix of ancient pagan rituals with Christian traditions is one of the most unique elements of Portuguese culture, and it still lives on in places like Trás-os-Montes.
🧨 Pregar partidas = to play pranks/tricks
🧑🎭 Máscara = mask
🎭 Tradição ancestral = ancient tradition
Seeing the Caretos in action is unforgettable — and a great way to learn new Portuguese vocabulary with real cultural context.
What’s in the Cake? The Bolo-Rei Surprise
After dinner, it’s dessert time. And in Portugal, Christmas isn’t complete without o bolo-rei – the King Cake.
It’s a round cake with a hole in the middle (like a crown), topped with candied fruits (frutas cristalizadas) and filled with nuts and raisins. But inside, there are two surprises: a fava (broad bean) and a brinde (small trinket).
Tradition says:
Quem encontra a fava, paga o bolo no ano seguinte!
Whoever finds the bean has to buy the cake next year!
Some people prefer bolo-rainha, a version of the cake without the sticky candied fruits — just nuts and dried fruits. Either way, it’s a delicious piece of Portuguese holiday culture.
🫘 Fava = broad bean
🎁 Brinde = surprise trinket
🍰 Bolo-rei = King Cake
👑 Bolo-rainha = Queen Cake
A Portuguese Christmas Vocabulary Boost
Here’s a quick list of useful European Portuguese words and phrases to help you talk about Christmas like a local:
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| A consoada | Christmas Eve dinner |
| O bacalhau | Codfish |
| O bolo-rei | King Cake |
| A queima do madeiro | The burning log tradition |
| Os caretos | Traditional masked characters |
| Pregar partidas | To play tricks/pranks |
| Reunir-se à volta da fogueira | To gather around the bonfire |
| Frutas cristalizadas | Candied fruits |
| O sapatinho | The little Christmas shoe (for gifts) |
| Missa do Galo | Midnight Mass |
Why Learning About Traditions Helps Your Portuguese
Language isn’t just grammar and vocabulary — it’s culture, humour, food, habits, beliefs, and emotions.
By exploring real-life Portuguese traditions, you’ll:
- Remember vocabulary more easily
- Understand native speakers better
- Learn phrases people actually use
- Feel more connected to the language
So next time you learn a word like bacalhau or fava, you’ll remember not just the translation — but the story behind it.
Want More? Listen to the Full Episode in European Portuguese
We talk about all of this (and more!) in our newest podcast episode:
🎙️ As tradições de Natal mais únicas em Portugal
It’s spoken entirely in European Portuguese, using informal language with “tu” and “vocês”, perfect for intermediate learners.
Listen now: https://theportugueseschool.co.uk/podcast
And don’t forget — you can download the free learning sheet with vocabulary, grammar tips, and example sentences on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theportugueseschool
🎄 Whether you’re dreaming of spending Christmas in Portugal, or just love learning languages with a cultural twist — these traditions will bring your European Portuguese to life.
Feliz Natal e boas aprendizagens! 🇵🇹